Palladium based compounds as efficient and durable electrode materials towards electrochemical energy production in fuel cells

Abstract

The principle of energy conversion in internal combustion engine (ICE) has not changed much over 200 years. In ICE, the chemical energy is converted to thermal energy i.e. heat, when fuel is burnt in heat engines. This heat generated is then converted to other forms of energy such as mechanical or electrical energy. Due to the over-increasing demand of the electrical energy during the last century, the need for highly efficient combustion engine has become crucial. Furthermore, the scope of renewable energies such as solar, wind, and water is increasing due to the concerns about the pollution of the environment by the conventional energy sources. All of these factors encourage the use of fuel cells, which will play an active and important role in near future.